The spectacular setting of Thetis Lake provided an idyllic backdrop for the 2011 SwimBC Open Water Championships, held Monday morning after the AAA Championships.

Just under 50 swimmers, spread very evenly across the 12-13, 14-15, and 16&Over age categories, competed in the 2km, 3km, and 5km races, with boys and girls turning out also in relatively equal numbers.

The air temperature was around 17C at race start, with the water just above 20C, making for excellent conditions for an open water race, and with the great organization of the race, all of the swimmers appeared to enjoy the experience. Naomi Ellis (IS) and Zac Parkes (UVPCS) handily won the marquee 5km 16&O races, and Peter Brothers (IS) also won the 14-15 boys 3km race with a comfortable margin.

There were very close races in the 14-15 girls, though, as Jessie Ogden (IS) just out-touched Laura Romkes (RAC) by two seconds to win that event, while Colin Gilbert (KCS) and Heidi Ulrich (UVPCS) won their respective 12-13 year-old 2km races by fewer than ten seconds.